Draft Patents Bill
[ Last Updated 26 October 2005 ]
In 2000 the Government began a review of the Patents Act 1953. This review has been completed, and a draft Bill has been prepared for public consultation.
The purpose of consulting on the draft Bill is not to repeat or re-open the policy development process. Rather, it is an acknowledgement that the detail of patent legislation can have important implications for those that deal with the patent system.
We recognise that patent attorneys and many people in business have a wealth of knowledge on the current law. By releasing a draft of the Bill, on 20 December 2004, we hope to draw on this so that the practical effects of changes to the legislation can be identified. This consultation exercise is also intended to help ensure that the legislation gives proper effect to the policy decisions that have been made and to minimise the risk of unintended consequences of change. The Ministry of Economic Development would like to hear the views of interested persons on these issues.
Submissions closed 11 March 2005.
Any queries should be addressed to Warren Hassett, either at the above e-mail address, by telephone on 04-474 2830, or by facsimile on 04-499 1791.
Hard copies are available from the Ministry on request, at the above address.
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